SERIOUS ASSAULT - BIRKENHEAD

MERSEYSIDE Police have confirmed a 40 year old man was arrested in Birkenhead after a 29 year old man was assaulted on Sunday, 15 July 2012. Emergency services were called at about 8.15am to a property on Bentinck Street to a report a man had been stabbed. On arrival officers found a 29 year old man in the rear garden of the property with stab wounds. The man was taken to hospital by ambulance. At this time his condition is described as critical. A search of the area was undertaken and a 40-year-old man was arrested nearby on suspicion of attempted murder. The scene has been cordoned off for examination and house-to-house enquiries are underway. Detective Chief Inspector Dave McCaughrean, said:- "A man has been left in a very serious condition and we urge anyone who may have seen or heard what happened to get in touch with us as a matter of urgency. There would have been people around in the area in cars and on foot at the time of the assault. I would ask that anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident and that may have any information, no matter how small they think it is, to contact us as it may assist our investigation." An investigation into the full circumstances of the incident is ongoing. The arrested man remains in custody at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police on:- 0151 777 2264 or Crimestoppers on:- 0800 555 111.

Games Winners

THE Homeless Games won Homeless Links’ Michael Whippman Award which was set up to challenge stereotypes about who is and can become homeless, while showing homeless people that anything is possible.

The Games were founded to raise awareness of homelessness. They give homeless people the opportunity to take part in sports, give them access to health services and advice and the opportunity to turn their lives around.

They were first held in Merseyside in 2010, expanding to cover the North West with a separate event for the North East in 2011. This year’s games take place at Wavertree Sports Centre on 6 September  and 7 September 2012. 

One of the success stories of the games is Mark Morrow who became an Olympic torch bearer last month.

Councillor Ann O’Byrne, cabinet member for housing, was one of the keynote speakers at Homeless Link’s annual conference where the awards were made. She said:- “I cannot think of an organisation which is a more worthy award winner than the Homeless Games. It is amazing to see how sport and meaningful activity help people get their lives back on track and I always attend our local events for the Homeless Games and the Homeless Football league. Last year I was honoured to hand out the medals at the Games awards ceremony and couldn’t believe how many people of all ages and ability took part, and how much fun and a sense of achievement they had. Initiatives such as the Homeless Games and No Second Night Out, our campaign to try and ensure nobody has to spend a second night on the streets in Merseyside, show that we are determined that homeless people are not going to be overlooked in our city.”